Richey Receives Community Leader Honor

October 4, 2012 - The Brevard Bar Foundation honored Brevard Community College President Dr. Jim Richey with its "Community Leader of the Year" award Thursday night, citing his work to expand educational opportunities to students.

More than 80 people attended the award banquet at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club in Melbourne, which also spotlighted the Foundation's fundraising efforts to help a wide range of charitable causes.

Steve Charpentier, Vice Chair of the BCC Board of Trustees and former president of the Brevard County Bar, called Richey a "tireless advocate for higher education" who puts the needs of students first.

He also praised Richey's move to expand the College's mission to start offering four-year degrees in August 2013, which will transform BCC into a state college.

"He is having a significant impact on the lives of students and our community that will resonate for generations," said Charpentier.

In thanking the Foundation, Richey said "There's no way the Space Coast would have the strength and vibrancy it currently enjoys without the outstanding professionalism of our local Bar and your commitment to justice and the rule of law."

He also noted the College's current fiscal year budget does not raise tuition, making BCC one of the few public institutions of higher learning in Florida that's holding the line on tuition costs this year.

"The tuition freeze has saved our students approximately $1.5 million and will open the doors for more students to attend and graduate," he said.

He also asked for the Foundation's continued support, saying members' ideas and involvement are critical to moving the College to a better future.

The Bar Foundation presents the leadership award annually to a person who has helped improve public understanding of the law and lawyers in Brevard County.

Richey is a graduate of the The Ohio State University law school and was a highly successful Melbourne attorney for more than 20 years before he joined BCC in positions that included executive vice president and general counsel.

He was named BCC's fifth president in January 2012.